iDigBio

API

Free API for accessing millions of global museum specimen records

Overview

The iDigBio API offers RESTful endpoints to search and retrieve over 100 million museum specimen records from organizations worldwide. Key endpoints include specimen search (with filters for taxon, location, collection), media retrieval (images/audio of specimens), and metadata access. Responses are in JSON format, enabling easy integration. Use cases include biodiversity research (tracking species distributions), educational tools (interactive specimen databases), museum digitization projects, and citizen science initiatives (verifying observations).

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://github.com/idigbio/idigbio-search-api/wiki')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful API design
JSON response format
No API key required for basic access
100M+ museum specimen records
Media retrieval (images/audio)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is the iDigBio API free to use?

Yes, the iDigBio API is free for public access to museum specimen records and associated media.

? Does it require an API Key?

No, basic access does not need an API key. High-volume users may contact iDigBio for rate limit adjustments.

? What is the response format?

All iDigBio API responses are in JSON format, simplifying parsing and integration into applications.

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Tool Info

Pricing Free

Category Science & Math

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Vast global dataset of museum specimens
⊕ Easy integration with REST/JSON
⊕ No authentication for public access
⊕ Advanced search filters (taxon, location, etc.)

Cons

⊖ Rate limits apply for high-volume requests
⊖ Limited advanced feature documentation
⊖ No official uptime SLA